Public Comments Sought on Proposed New Coal Plant by Michigan PSC

Information Sought as DEQ Weighs Consumers Permit Application

June 6, 2009
By: MyBayCity Staff

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today said it is seeking public comments on Consumers Energy Company's electric generation alternatives analysis (EGAA) related to its proposed new coal-fired plant in Essexville in Bay County. The utility company today filed its EGAA with the MPSC, as directed in the procedures established in Case No. U-15958. Comments are due by July 5, 2009.

The MPSC today opened a docket in this matter. The EGAA is available at; http://efile.mpsc.cis.state.mi.us/efile/viewcase.php?casenum=15996&submit.x=16&submit.y=9

On April 1, the MPSC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that clarified each participant's role and responsibility regarding a review process to evaluate electric generation alternatives and provide technical assistance to the DEQ. This MOU satisfies requirements laid forth in the Executive Directive (ED 2009-02), issued on February 3 by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.

The DEQ is charged with issuing permits in response to applications filed seeking authority to construct a new coal-fired electricity generating plant.

The MPSC has two tasks, pursuant to the MOU:

Providing technical assistance to the DEQ on all matters related to the need for electric generation in the state, as it relates to the analysis that looks at alternatives to coal-fired generation.

Reviewing the alternatives analysis to assess whether energy efficiency, renewable energy, or other alternatives meet future electricity needs.

The DEQ is responsible for reviewing the alternatives analysis to assess the affect of the plants and alternatives on human health and the environment.

Consumers Energy is seeking a permit to install (PTI) for a new 930 MW (gross power output) coal-fired Advanced Supercritical Pulverized Coal boiler, steam turbine generator, and auxiliary processes and equipment at the existing Karn-Weadock Generating Station. The facility is located at 2742 North Weadock Highway, in Essexville.

Comments may be e-mailed to mpscedockets@michigan.gov. Written comments should be mailed to the Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI 48909. All comments should reference Case No. U-15996, should be consistent with provisions of Order in Case No. 15958, and must be received by 5 p.m. on July 5, 2009. All information submitted to the Commission in this matter will become public information, available on the Commission's Web site, and subject to disclosure.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.###